The department's primary purpose as a water utility is to furnish potable water, which is water that may be ingested without being a menace to health and is satisfactory for drinking in its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. This purpose places the water utility under a moral obligation to furnish water that is both safe and palatable. The Water department plant operator takes 146 various samples every month to ensure that the water that is delivered to your home or business is safe to drink. These samples include bacteria samples, samples on P.H. and acidity, and orthophosphates, among others. The sample results are forwarded to the Environmental Protection Agency and each year in July a Water Quality Report is mailed to all residential and commercial customers in Bellwood.

Our secondary responsibility is to supply water for fire protection. We strive to meet future water demands, deliver increased water volume and pressure, provide life safety and fire protection for the public that results in better insurance rates for the village, and deliver the quality of water that will meet state and federal standards.

Business Hours

The Water department operates year round Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our office number is 547-3542. If you have a water emergency after regular business hours, call the Police department's non-emergency number: (708) 547-3528. They will contact the Water department.

Water Restrictions

As a condition of receiving Lake Michigan water, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources requires that all communities that use lake water must have an ordinance in place restricting outside water use effective every year from May 15- September 15. Water may be used on an odd/even calendar basis according to your address from 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. OR 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. There are two exceptions. You may water newly sodded or seeded lawn areas for the first four weeks after initial planting. You may water any plants or other vegetation with a sprinkling can or other handheld water container.

Recognizing Frozen Pipes

Generally, when a pipe that feeds a certain fixture such as a shower, sink or toilet freezes, you will no longer be able to get water through that fixture. This would be the case if the pipe is frozen solid.

Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

Keep the water meter area or pipes exposed to outside walls heated

Never enclose utilities behind walls

Provide ventilation to pipes to allow warmer air to circulate around them

Insulate your pipes

Caulk and seal any openings near water pipes

Keep some tap water running

Distribution field items maintained by the Water department

Service line leaks from the water main up to the b/box*

B/boxes - locations and replacements

Fire hydrant flushing

Fire hydrant repairs

Fire hydrant and auxiliary valve replacements

Water main breaks

Paint distribution valves

Exercise distribution valves

*A leak on a 3/4'' and 1" water service line from the water main up to the b/box, including all connections, will be repaired by the Water department. A leak on a 1 1/2" or larger water service line is solely the property owner's responsibility.

Any damage caused by the Water department from excavation will be repaired by the department. The department also performs regular general maintenance to its buildings and grounds and maintains all of its vehicles and equipment.

Water Service Connection - Property Owner's Responsibilities

The Water department only maintains the water meter inside a home or business. All plumbing and related valves are the owner's responsibilities. We will repair, or if necessary, replace the water meter if it is leaking or damaged at no charge to the customer. This includes the touch pad and wire on the outside of the home or business.

Yard Waste

Yard waste is collected on a weekly basis from April 1 - December 15 on the same day as your garbage pickup. Yard waste generally consists of:

·grass clippings

·twigs

·leaves

·plant material such as weeds, unwanted plants and roots. Plants and roots should be free of dirt to the furthest extent possible.

Yard waste is to be disposed of in a biodegradable bag. A yard waste sticker must be affixed to each bag. Yard waste stickers are available at the Village Hall.

Yard waste can be placed out for collection after 6:00 p.m. on the previous day in the parkway.

Brush and Shrubbery

Brush and shrubbery should be placed in the alley except for homes without an alley.

Household Hazardous Waste

Materials such as paint, pesticides, poison, cleaning solvents, gasoline, used oil and other automotive fluids are considered to be Household Hazardous Waste. Flammable, toxic, corrosive or reactive products should not be included with your garbage.

Questions or Concerns

Yard waste, brush and/or shrubbery, and household hazardous waste are picked up by the Village of Bellwood. If you have any questions about this process, contact the Public Works Department at (708) 547-3540. Thank you for your cooperation.

RESIDENTS WHO DON’T FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO RECEIVING A TICKET.